Singapore’s consideration of chemical castration as a measure to address sexual offenses has drawn cautious responses from advocacy groups emphasizing prevention and education. The government has expressed openness to implementing chemical castration if evidence conclusively demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing sexual crime rates.

Lim Shion Yin, Executive Director of AWARE, a local women’s rights organisation, acknowledged the government’s attention to the rising incidences of sexual crimes, noting that cases of rape and molestation have increased over the past three years. She emphasized, however, that many survivors do not report these offenses, with AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre estimating that about 70% of those seeking support ultimately choose not to file complaints.

While recognizing the seriousness of the issue, Lim urged caution regarding chemical castration, pointing out that current evidence does not decisively prove its efficacy in deterring sexual offenses. She also challenged the underlying assumption that sexual violence stems primarily from uncontrollable biological impulses, arguing instead that many offenses occur within existing relationships where offenders feel a sense of entitlement.

Supporting this perspective, police data indicate that a majority of rape and molestation cases involve victim and offender who are known to each other, frequently taking place in domestic settings. Lim referenced AWARE’s recent Survey on Men’s Attitudes to Gender, Family and Society in Singapore, which found that over a third of respondents believe men cannot control sexual urges, and 37 percent think men cannot be expected to stop sexual activity if a partner withdraws consent. She cautioned that the popular support for chemical castration could reinforce such problematic beliefs, potentially framing sexual violence as biologically inevitable rather than a conscious criminal act.

Lim advocated for a prevention-focused approach centered on comprehensive sexuality education. She recommended a national review of sexuality education curricula across all levels—from primary schools to tertiary institutions—with a shift away from abstinence-only messaging towards frameworks emphasizing consent and individual rights, consistent with UNESCO guidelines. Additionally, she stressed the need for ongoing education beyond schools, including in workplaces, national service, and community settings, to address persistent attitudes that may contribute to sexual violence in adulthood.

While acknowledging that punitive measures remain important as deterrence, Lim urged that they should not replace efforts to transform societal beliefs and norms that enable sexual offenses. She called on the government to invest equally in prevention initiatives alongside enforcement and punishment efforts.